A bride wearing a veil smiles at the groom during an outdoor wedding ceremony. The groom, in a gray suit, smiles back at her. They stand in front of an officiant holding a book, with blurry greenery and string lights in the background. Image by Andy Wade Photography.
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Best Wedding Venues in Lancashire

ByAndy Wade

Are you searching for the perfect Lancashire wedding venue to host your special day? From romantic manor houses in the countryside to charming barns and elegant boutique hotels, Lancashire boasts diverse venues to suit your vision. In this guide, we will explore a curated selection of Lancashire’s most sought-after wedding destinations, each offering unique features and impeccable service to make your celebration unforgettable.

Key Takeaways

  • Lancashire offers a wide range of wedding venues, including historic manor houses, rustic barns, idyllic outdoor locations, boutique hotels, family-run venues, and quirky, unconventional spaces, each providing a unique wedding setting.
  • Venues like Eaves Hall, Samlesbury Hall, Wennington Hall, Bashall Barn, and The Wellbeing Farm offer diverse atmospheres and capacities, from intimate ceremonies to large-scale celebrations, with dedicated teams to tailor the wedding experience.
  • When selecting a venue, couples should consider visiting at the same time of year as their planned wedding to assess lighting conditions and discuss flexibility regarding photography spaces and timings with the venue.

Elegant Estates: Lancashire’s Finest Manor Houses

Lancashire has some of the most stunning manor houses, radiating timeless elegance and grandeur. Steeped in heritage, these historic estates provide the perfect setting for a fairy-tale wedding. Let’s delve into the details of three manor houses: Eaves Hall, Samlesbury Hall, and Knowsley Hall.

Eaves Hall

Eaves Hall sits majestically in the heart of the Ribble Valley, a grand Georgian mansion that personifies elegance and charm. Its history as a private residence, then a members’ club, and now a prestigious wedding venue adds a touch of glamour to your special day. The hall boasts a variety of reception spaces, accommodating up to 120 guests for the ceremony and dinner. Yet, a smaller ballroom setting for 60 guests is also available for those seeking a more intimate gathering.

The venue enhances the wedding experience with an on-site bar, a relaxing lounge with garden vistas, and even a snooker room. These spaces provide access to the venue’s terrace and bowling green, allowing guests to enjoy the stunning surroundings. Eaves Hall’s reputation among top Lancashire wedding venues is well-deserved, as endorsed by myself, an award-winning photographer.

Samlesbury Hall

At Samlesbury Hall, history and charm intertwine to create a distinctive wedding venue. Its 700-year-old Great Hall is perfect for wedding receptions, while the 15th-century Whittaker Room, once a chapel, now provides a romantically historic setting for ceremonies. The venue can accommodate various weddings, from grand receptions in the Great Hall to smaller, more intimate ceremonies in the licensed Heritage Café.

What sets Samlesbury Hall apart is its dedicated team, including their chefs, who work closely with couples to ensure a smooth wedding day and the creation of a perfect, customized menu. An endorsement from myself, an award-winning wedding photographer, further recognizes Samlesbury Hall as one of the top wedding venues in Lancashire.

Knowsley Hall

Knowsley Hall, is the ancestral home of the Stanley family, the Earls of Derby. Despite the stately ownership the hall and grounds can be hired exclusively for weddings.

  • Accommodating up to 132 guests within the Hall for the ceremony, wedding breakfast and party in the evening.
  • Exclusive use of the magical grounds within the estate. No other events are held on any wedding day.
  • The option for guests to stay over night and fill one of 17 award-winning bedrooms.

The Knowsley staff promise unparalleled service, with comprehensive wedding planning assistance and an extensive list of recommended suppliers for various needs. With exclusivity at the forefront of the offering, Knowsley concentrate on fewer weddings per year than most venues to ensure dedication to their couples. The venue has excellent transportation links to the motorways whilst nestling in 2,500 acres of parkland.

Rustic Romance: Charming Barn Wedding Venues

Barn wedding venues are ideal for couples seeking a blend of rustic charm and romance. These romantic venue options exude a unique countryside charm, providing a picturesque backdrop for your special day.

Next, we’ll uncover the magic of three charming barn venues: Bashall Barn, Browsholme Hall & Tithe Barn and Rivington Hall Barn.

Bashall Barn

Bashall Barn offers exclusive use for the entire day and evening, ensuring no overlapping wedding parties or gate-crashing guests. This venue offers:

  • A stunning outdoor terrace with glass fencing allows for unobstructed views of the beautiful Lancashire countryside
  • Accommodation for between 50-130 seated guests for ceremonies and wedding breakfasts
  • Accommodation for up to 200 guests for evening receptions

This makes it a versatile choice for weddings of varying scales.

The barn’s exclusive use policy allows couples to make the space their own truly. With the Lancashire countryside’s stunning vistas, Bashall Barn creates a memorable and unique wedding experience.

Browsholme Hall & Tithe Barn

Browsholme Hall & Tithe Barn allows couples to choose from five different wedding venues, including the enchanting Tithe Barn and provides exclusive access to the Hall and Gardens to create a truly personalised wedding day. The Tithe Barn encapsulates a traditional barn atmosphere with uninterrupted countryside views, oak beams and exposed brickwork that contribute to its charm and character, all set within breathtaking grounds.

This versatile venue can accommodate a range of wedding styles and sizes. The unique blend of rustic charm and elegance offered by the Tithe Barn will create a magical atmosphere for any wedding.

Rivington Hall Barn

Rivington Hall Barn dates back to the 18th century. This historic venue exudes charm and character, providing a unique backdrop for ceremonies and celebrations. With its rustic beams and idyllic surroundings under the Rivington Pike, Rivington Hall Barn is a popular choice for couples looking for a blend of tradition and rustic charm on their special day.

The venue’s additional charms include:

  • The main barn being able to hold 200+ guests for a large evening party.
  • An outdoor patio with heaters for cooler evenings and the option for a first dance outside when warm.
  • Gorgeously large and recently refurbished bridal preparation rooms in the main house.

The provision of an on-site wedding coordinator and super slick wedding team ensures the wedding day at Rivington Hall Barn runs seamlessly, offering couples peace of mind from the ceremony to the first dance.

Countryside Gems: Idyllic Outdoor Wedding Locations

For couples who dream of exchanging vows surrounded by the beauty of nature, Lancashire offers idyllic outdoor wedding locations. From magical Wedding Pavilions to captivating countryside views, these Lancashire wedding venue options create a perfect setting for a fairy-tale wedding.

Let’s journey through three idyllic outdoor venues: Brockholes Nature Reserve, The River Barn, and Avenham and Miller Parks.

Brockholes Nature Reserve

Brockholes Nature Reserve offers a serene and picturesque countryside setting for weddings. Nestled amidst lush green landscapes, the venue provides a tranquil ambiance that will enchant couples and their guests alike.

In addition to its natural appeal, Brockholes Nature Reserve offers a unique woodland ceremony area, providing a distinct and memorable backdrop for your vows. With its serene environment and natural beauty, this venue is ideal for couples seeking a tranquil and picturesque setting for their special day.

The River Barn

The River Barn is nestled against the River Wyre, providing a serene and picturesque countryside setting for weddings. With 5 acres of grounds, including:

  • a tree-lined driveway
  • protected woodland
  • walled gardens
  • numerous photogenic spots

This beautiful wedding venue offers a stunning backdrop for plenty of opportunities in wedding photography, ensuring you’ll have amazing wedding photos at one of the best wedding ceremony venues, perfect for capturing memories with your guests.

The River Barn features a well-lit Party Room, meticulously maintained gardens, and a delightful outdoor terrace for guests. Whether planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, The River Barn can cater to your needs while offering a tranquil riverside setting.

Avenham and Miller Parks

Avenham and Miller Parks are adjoining parks in Preston, offering lush landscapes and stunning views for a romantic outdoor wedding. These parks’ location by the River Ribble adds to their serene environment, creating an idyllic backdrop for wedding ceremonies and photographs.

With its tranquil design, features such as the Japanese Garden can serve as unique spots for wedding ceremonies within the parks. A wedding in Avenham and Miller Parks will be a memorable event, set amidst the natural beauty of Lancashire’s countryside.

Boutique Hotels: Stylish and Intimate Wedding Venues

For couples seeking a blend of luxury and intimacy, boutique hotels serve as stylish and intimate wedding venues. These venues offer personalised service and flexibility to cater to different wedding needs while providing a luxurious setting for your special day.

In the following part, we’ll delve into the details of three boutique hotels: Mitton Hall, Bartle Hall, and Crow Wood Hotel & Spa.

Mitton Hall

Mitton Hall, one of the top wedding venues in Lancashire, offers a blend of ancient architectural elegance and contemporary design. Nestled on the banks of the Ribble Valley, this luxurious manor house provides a stunning location for your wedding. The venue can accommodate up to 165 guests for wedding ceremonies and extends to a capacity of 250 for evening receptions.

Mitton Hall offers competitively priced wedding packages, starting from £4995, catering to different budgetary considerations. However, to maintain its tranquil countryside setting, the venue strictly prohibits the use of fireworks and Chinese lanterns within its premises.

Bartle Hall Hotel

Bartle Hall provides a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern elegance. The venue offers:

  • 16 acres of gorgeous grounds in which to spend your special day.
  • The separate Coaching Barn to host your wedding breakfast and evening celebrations.
  • The Country House hosts the civil ceremony and includes a choice of 4 Bridal Suites.
  • The Thicket Lodge, set in the hotel’s woodland, is perfect for bridal preparations and includes a jacuzzi.

Bartle Hall’s dedicated wedding coordinator works with couples on intimate and grand weddings, ensuring a seamless and memorable celebration. Recognised as one of Lancashire’s best wedding venues by myself, an award-winning wedding photographer, Bartle Hall truly stands out for its service and setting.

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa is celebrated for its luxurious and exclusive wedding venue offerings, designed to cater to stylishly-minded couples. On the wedding morning, Crow Wood offers an on-site beauty parlour with sofas, Prosecco, salon beauty chairs, and angel wings for photos. Additionally, the venue offers six luxury ensuite accommodation cabins nestled in festoon-lit woodland, with breakfast hampers provided.

Located within easy reach of notable areas such as Ribble Valley, Blackburn, Preston, and Pendle, Crow Wood Hotel & Spa is a sought-after destination for weddings. The venue offers:

  • Bookings for 2025 and onwards
  • Late availability options for weddings in 2024
  • Exclusive Wedding Fairs for couples to visualize and plan their special day.

Family-Run Favorites: Personalized and Heartfelt Wedding Venues

Family-run wedding venues offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere, creating a personalized and heartfelt experience that will make your special day even more memorable. In this portion, we’ll highlight three family-run venues that have significantly impacted Lancashire’s wedding scene: Stirk House, Beeston Manor, and Ashfield House.

Stirk House

Stirk House, a 17th-century manor surrounded by 22 acres of beautiful grounds, is an award-winning family-run venue. It has received numerous accolades for its outstanding service and commitment to creating memorable wedding experiences. The venue offers tailored wedding packages based on specific needs, allowing couples to sample dishes at Wedding Taster Events and receive a personalized venue tour with the wedding team.

Moreover, Stirk House is an LGBTQ+ inclusive venue, ensuring all couples feel valued and have a memorable celebration. With its warm hospitality and stunning location, Stirk House is truly one of Lancashire’s finest wedding venues.

Beeston Manor

Beeston Manor, a family-run wedding venue, offers bespoke wedding experiences within 140 acres of picturesque land. The venue boasts:

  • Unique signature stonework
  • Exposed beams that contribute to a grand and rustic ambiance
  • A warm and welcoming atmosphere, evident through their exclusive use of 14 bedrooms
  • Blending the comfort of the manor house with the charm of a barn setup

The venue has an excellent reputation, with multiple awards and outstanding reviews on TripAdvisor. Prospective couples can attend Wedding Open Days to see the Woodland and Oakland Rooms set up for a wedding and consult with Wedding Coordinators. Beeston Manor truly offers a personalized and heartfelt wedding experience.

Ashfield House

Located near Wigan, Lancashire, Ashfield House offers a unique blend of traditional elegance and contemporary charm, making it a standout wedding venue. This family-run business provides an exclusive, homely atmosphere where couples can personalize their special day without restrictive rules.

The venue boasts a grand yet welcoming environment filled with quirky details. Designed specifically for weddings, it offers exceptional in-house catering, 15 guest bedrooms, and various awards, including the UK’s Best Wedding Venue (2017-2019).

Conveniently situated near the M6, Ashfield House is easily accessible and offers virtual tours and open house events for interested parties. Ashfield House is an ideal choice for couples seeking a flexible, award-winning venue in Lancashire.

Quirky and Unique: Unconventional Wedding Venues

For couples seeking a wedding venue that reflects their unique personality and taste, unconventional venues offer an exciting alternative. Featuring distinctive settings and unique offerings, these venues add a distinctive character and unforgettable ambiance to wedding events.

Let’s tour three unique venues: The Wellbeing Farm, Hobbit Hill, and The Out Barn.

Wellbeing Farm

The Wellbeing Farm, situated amidst lush green landscapes, provides a distinct wedding backdrop. Unique features at The Wellbeing Farm include:

  • Bow tie-wearing llamas
  • A Duckpin Bowling Alley
  • An on-site Brewery
  • The Bar & Grill

The venue’s award-winning wedding team specializes in reducing planning stress and helping to realize wedding day dreams. Offering bespoke wedding packages starting from £5,000, The Wellbeing Farm ensures an unforgettable and unique wedding experience.

Hobbit Hill

Hobbit Hill offers distinctive on-site glamping pods to accommodate guests, providing a memorable multi-day wedding experience. Praised as one of the best wedding venues in Lancashire by myself, an award-winning wedding photographer, Hobbit Hill stands out for its unique offerings.

Couples can tailor their special day with personalized touches and themed weddings at Hobbit Hill, including celebrations inspired by Tolkien’s literary works. The venue’s staff are renowned for their attentiveness, ensuring that the wedding day proceeds smoothly and without stress for the couple.

The Out Barn

Located in the picturesque Ribble Valley near Clitheroe, Lancashire, The Out Barn offers a unique wedding experience. Known for its stunning blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, the venue caters to intimate and grand celebrations.

The Out Barn offers the following:

  • Seating capacity for 60 to 150 guests, with a 250-person capacity for evening receptions
  • Licensed for civil ceremonies with up to 150 guests
  • Two enchanting outdoor ceremony locations
  • In-house Sonos surround sound media system
  • Late-night license until 1 am
  • Bridal suite and bridal dressing room available

Couples can choose from various preferred caterers, ensuring a bespoke dining experience. Accommodation options include The Old Dairy Cottage and nearby properties like Brockthorn and Clough Bottom Farmhouse, which are perfect for family and friends.

The Out Barn’s setting and tailored service make it a top choice for weddings in Lancashire.

Expert Tips from Award-Winning Wedding Photographer Andy Wade

As an award-winning wedding photographer, I’ve captured countless beautiful weddings at some of Lancashire’s best venues. When choosing a venue, I recommend couples to visit potential venues at the same time of year as their wedding to understand the lighting conditions and to inquire about the venue’s flexibility regarding photography spaces and timings.

Remember, your chosen venue will set the tone for your wedding day. It’s not just about the aesthetics but also the service, comfort, and overall experience it provides. When you find a venue that feels right, you’ll know it. It’s that excitement and happiness of finding the perfect place to begin your forever.

Summary

Lancashire boasts many stunning wedding venues, each with unique charm and offerings. Whether you’re drawn to the grandeur of a manor house, the rustic charm of a barn, the serenity of an outdoor setting, the intimacy of a boutique hotel, the warmth of a family-run venue, or the uniqueness of an unconventional venue, there’s a perfect venue for every couple in Lancashire. As your wedding photographer, I’m excited to capture your special day in one of these fantastic venues, creating beautiful memories you’ll cherish forever.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest day to book a wedding venue?

Consider booking a wedding venue for a weekday, such as Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, as these days are generally more affordable and offer greater availability. Hosting a wedding on a midweek date is also suitable for a smaller, more intimate celebration.

What is Andy Wade’s approach to wedding photography?

Andy Wade’s approach to wedding photography is centered around capturing genuine moments and real emotions without posing, creating a natural and unobtrusive presence at weddings.

What awards has Andy Wade received?

Andy Wade has received over 40 awards in the last two seasons, including being ranked 2nd in the UK & Ireland by Masters of Wedding Photography and achieving top 10 Photographer in the World with Photographers Keeping it Real. These awards include top rankings in various photography competitions and Wedding Photographer of The Year nominations.

What are some of the top wedding venues in Lancashire, according to Andy Wade?

According to Andy Wade, some of the top wedding venues in Lancashire include Eaves Hall, Samlesbury Hall, and Stanley House, among others. These venues offer beautiful settings and exceptional services for a memorable wedding.

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